New Orleans Pelicans Trade Big Man Daniel Theis to Oklahoma City Thunder | February, 5, 2025

Hey, fellow basketball enthusiasts! We’ve got a hot scoop for you straight from the NBA. The New Orleans Pelicans are parting ways with their center, Daniel Theis, who’s headed for the Oklahoma City Thunder. This news comes from none other than Shams Charania of ESPN, and just like you, we are on the edge of our seats. Look, we all know that the Pelicans are not strangers to salary dumps.

So, no surprises there. They have been sitting slightly over the luxury tax line by about 1.4 million bucks. Remember, the Pelicans have found themselves part of the exclusive club of NBA teams who’ve never paid tax. They’re not about to change that tradition, not for a 12-38 record, at least.

Here’s What We Know About the Theis Trade

So, shipping off Theis, who is rolling on a $2.1 million minimum-salary deal due to end this season, has allowed the Pelicans to step back into comfortable ground below the tax threshold. But this move has left them one short, with just 13 players on standard contracts. The NBA rulebook tells us they must round up a 14th man within a fortnight of dealing Theis. Guess we’ll be seeing another minimum-salary sign soon, but one that keeps them under the tax radar.

Meanwhile, the Thunder, standing tall with the best NBA record of 39-9, have no worries about tax aprons like many other league contenders. They have been lounging comfortably around the 160 million mark, still a reassuring distance from the $170.8 million tax line. This gives them a bit of headroom for added expenses. With one vacant slot in the 15-man roster for the Thunder, Theis can smoothly slip in without having to show anyone else the door.

Final Thoughts

He’s doing alright with an average of 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 38 appearances and nine starts for the Pelicans. It would be interesting to see how the Thunder plans to utilize him. Will they hold on to him long-term, or is he just a stepping stone towards draft compensation? It’s all up in the air for the moment. But rest assured, we’re following every dribble, every pass, and every dunk on the court!

Speaking of on-court action, The Thunder’s 15th spot has been kept warm by rookie big man Branden Carlson, but it’s been a bit of a roller coaster. He’s been on a non-guaranteed contract and a couple of 10-day deals. If Theis sticks around and the Thunder doesn’t juggle their 15-man lineup, Carlson might find himself back on the squad via a two-way deal. So, here’s the score, fellow fans: Theis is headed for the Thunder, the Pelicans are savvy with their dollars, and there’s plenty more action to come. Stay tuned, and keep those basketballs bouncing!